One third of pharmacies report patients less likely to get vaccinated in light of Trump comments
One in three pharmacies surveyed by the National Pharmacy Association reported patients raising concerns about getting themselves or their children vaccinated, in light of comments made by President Trump this week.
US President Donald Trump raised concerns about the safety of childhood vaccinations as well as an unevidenced link between use of paracetamol in pregnant women and a rise in the diagnosis of autism in children.
Pharmacies are warning this debate could pose a risk to patient care in the UK, creating misinformation about medicines and vaccinations.
The snap survey of 500 pharmacies, serving an estimated 2.5 million patients, carried out the day after the comments were made, found that:
· 32 per cent, around one third, reported to the NPA that some patients had told pharmacy teams that they were less likely to get vaccinated or get their children vaccinated in light of comments made in the US.
· 24 per cent, around one quarter, reported patients questioning the safety of paracetamol this week.
· 58 per cent were concerned the debate about medicines and vaccines in the US could pose a risk to patient safety in the UK.
Pharmacies are assuring pregnant women that it is appropriate to take paracetamol if experiencing a high fever or in need of pain relief as well parents to continue to get their children vaccinated to prevent serious illness.
Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association said:
“President Trump’s comments break long standing international consensus around treatments which strong medical evidence suggests are very safe, highly effective and used by millions of people over many years.
“People have every right to question medicines but it is vitally important that patients get their medical advice from trusted and well evidenced sources, such as pharmacists and doctors who have seen the clinical research underpinning treatments.
"Statements like these cause alarm to parents, who feel unnecessary guilt for having done the right thing for their health during their pregnancy.
“Paracetamol remains an effective and safe pain relief option for patients, including for pregnant women and leaving fever and pain untreated can pose risks to unborn babies.
“Childhood vaccination campaigns have also been crucial in preventing serious illnesses that were common place in the UK 60 years ago, such as Measles, but people can easily be swayed by what they hear online or on the television.
“If patients are concerned about the safety of medication, they should speak to their local pharmacist.”
